Tips for Cleaning Your Home Drains

Debris, like hair, food, grease, and other substances, can accumulate in your drains over time, causing bad odors and drainage problems. If the debris accumulation is severe, you may need to hire a plumber to clean your drains. Regular drain cleaning can keep them clear of debris and help save on cleaning costs. Here are some tips for cleaning your home drains:

Clean Your Drain Stopper 

Debris can accumulate on the stopper in your sink or bathtub, and if not cleaned, it may make its way down your drains. Some drain stoppers are not attached to the drain, so you can easily lift them off the sink and clean them. If your sink has a pop-up stopper, you can untwist it and clean it before moving on to the drains. 

Use Hot Water 

The heat and force of hot water rushing through your drains can dislodge some of the debris stuck in them. For best results, pour hot water down your drain several times, pausing between each pour. If your drains are slow due to clogs, use a plunger to move the hot water along the pipes. 

A mixture of hot water and dish soap can break down and flush away grease in your drains. Mixing hot water with vinegar can also work for greasy drains. 

Use Vinegar and Baking Soda 

Vinegar and baking soda are simple solutions for degreasing your drains. Pour equal parts vinegar and baking soda into your drain. The mixture of the two compounds causes a chemical reaction that produces bubbles and foam, which can help remove accumulated grease in your drains. 

You can pour the vinegar and baking soda mixture into your drains several times to clear greasy drains. This method may not work for a significant amount of grease, which forms a thick layer on your drains. Hire a drain cleaning service to deal with large clogs. 

Get a Drain Snake 

A drain snake is a relatively cheap tool that comes in handy if drain clogs are a common problem in your home. Feed a drain snake through your clogged drains, turning the handle clockwise until you encounter a clog. Twist the snake against the clog to break it up or until the snake latches onto the clog. Pull the snake from the drain slowly, remove the clog, flush your drain, and reassemble your drain cover. 

Though a drain snake may not clear all clogs, it can remove minor pipe blockages. Be careful when feeding any tool down your drain to avoid causing damage. Call a plumber if you encounter a clog your drain snake can’t get through.

Clean Your Drains Regularly 

A great method to avoid drain clogs is through regular drain cleaning to remove debris. Enzyme cleaners can be the best option for regular drain cleaning. These cleaners contain natural enzymes that eat away at anything clogging your drains, including debris.  

Enzyme cleaners may not release harmful gases into the air as they clean. Because they use natural substances, they are less likely to damage your drain pipes, no matter how often you use them. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your cleaner for the best results. 

Use the Tools You Have at Home

Before purchasing drain cleaning tools, try using what you have at home to clear your drains. Your plunger may be all you need to remove a clog in your bathtub or sink drain. You may not need a lot of force when using a plunger to clean your drains. A steady up-and-down movement rather than forceful jamming creates the build-up of pressure needed to move debris along your pipework. 

If your sink has an overflow vent, cover the vent before using a plunger to build enough pressure for clog removal. Applying petroleum jelly to your plunger’s rim can prevent air from escaping around the edges of the rim, creating a better seal. 

Hire Professional Drain Cleaning Services Today

You only need a regular drain cleaning schedule and the right cleaning tools to keep your drains clog-free at all times. If you have fallen behind on drain cleaning or have never cleaned your drains, hire a professional drain cleaning service. They have specialized equipment like high-pressure drain cleaners, which could be more effective than any tools you have at home.